Take care with underground developments

Basement developments can be a really good way to create extra space in a home. However, they are one of the trickiest projects. There is a lot to think about here, from excavation to ensuring the stability of the buildings above. As one of the top architects London has, we want to take a look at some of the crucial details.

Think about noise and disruption

Architects LondonExcavating a new basement, even if it is only small, is a noisy, dirty project. You will likely need heavy plant machinery to tackle the job. This can disturb neighbours and cause all kinds of problems. You also need to think about the disruption you will cause if you need to have a large skip to get rid of the excavation waste.

If projects will be too noisy or disruptive, you may face objections or complaints from neighbours. In some cases their concerns could mean you will not even get planning permission. There have been several instances where neighbours have put a stop to projects in quiet residential areas.

Aesthetics

It is also important to get the aesthetics right. While you may assume that there won’t be many worries since most of the basement is underground, you would be wrong. There are many aspects of the development that can alter the surface. For example it could be creating light wells or new entrances or exits. Any change you make to the surface could attract criticism for aesthetic reasons.

Once again neighbours could object to a project on aesthetic grounds and result in a failure to get planning permission. You could also fail if your property is in a conservation area as the rules here are much stricter to protect the character of the area.

The structure and lighting

If you want to create a basement that is safe, stable, and inhabitable, you need to get the design right. You must make sure the whole structure will be stable, especially to support the load above. You also need to think about lateral loads on the basement walls. Waterproofing is essential too.

A big problem with basements is they feel dim and dingy. The issue is the lack of natural light. You need to tackle this, finding a way to get daylight into the space so you are not solely reliant on artificial light. When you do need electric lights, choose gentle ones that create the right ambiance rather than harsh, bright lighting.

Speak to some of the top architects in London

Coffey Architects is a passionate team that loves all kinds of architectural projects. We know how challenging some of them can be, but we always look to find the perfect solutions. This can often involve creative, innovative ideas.

If you have a project in mind and want to be able to rely on some of the best architects London can offer, contact us. We can give you the right support and access to our extensive knowledge and experience.